North Harbour are keeping Ron Cribb sidelined again, even though the test No 8 believes he could play against Taranaki at Albany on Saturday.
Harbour are due to name their side tomorrow, but Cribb will not be in the team who are flying high after five consecutive wins.
Cribbhas a knee injury that "blows up after training," according to Harbour assistant coach Allan Pollock, who said the player is also suffering general "wear and tear."
He has been out of action since the All Blacks final test against Australia in Sydney on September 1.
Pollock conceded that Cribb, whose test position was often questioned by commentators, wanted to play this week.
With top-of-the-table North Harbour having a bye after the Taranaki game, it will be at least two-and-a-half weeks before Cribb can take the field again.
Pollock said North Harbour had a strong contingent of loose forwards, and it was not in Cribb's or the team's interests for him to play yet.
No 8 Blair Urlich has been among North Harbour's best this year and they also have Matua Parkinson, Craig Newby and Liam Barry.
"After talking to Ron he understands the position. He's got to get himself right," Pollock said.
"We're lucky in that we have a strong group of loose forwards and if Ron can't train fully, then he can't play. It wouldn't be fair to the players who have got us this far otherwise ... And what's the point of playing if you can't give your best."
Meanwhile, former test midfield back Mark Mayerhofler remains a rough chance to play Taranaki after making a much quicker than expected recovery from a groin problem.
With Rua Tipoki sidelined, Mayerhofler would bring some much-needed strength and experience to the midfield backs against a Taranaki side who have started to make a run at the semifinals with three consecutive wins, after losing their opening three matches.
North Harbour's defeat in New Plymouth last year proved a pivotal moment which saw them just miss the semifinals, while Taranaki must win on Saturday to realistically keep their playoff chances alive.
